In: Anatomy and Physiology
Which of the following statements is true of the effects of alcohol on fetal development?
a. Alcohol limits oxygen delivery to the fetus.
b. Alcohol cannot cross the placenta.
c. Alcohol enhances placental transport of nutrients and aids fetal development.
d. Alcohol hastens cell division and aids fetal development.
e. Alcohol consumed in the first trimester is not harmful to the fetus.
The correct answer would be (A) that is alcohol consumption
during pregnancy can limit the oxygen delivery to fetus. It
interferes with the ability of the fetus to utilise oxygen and
hence affects the nourishment ofnormal cells and limits the
development of brain, heart and other body organs. Alcohol
consumption during pregnancy can result in FASDs ( fetal alcohol
spectrum disorders)- these are physical, behavioural and
intellectual disabilities.
Alcohol can easily cross the placenta.
Alchonol does not enhance placental transport of nutrients and does not aid in fetal development. Infact it does just the opposite.
Alcohol does not hasten the cell division and does not aid in fetal development. It actually disrupts the neural stem cell growth and slows down the cell cycle.
Alcohol can have significant effect on the development of the fetus and there's no 'safe period' for drinking alcohol during pregnancy. In fact studies have shown that alcohol consumption in the 1st trimester can cause maximum damage.